Bottle carrier



Patented Aprl25, 1950 v UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE BOTTLE CARRIER Samuel N. Lebold, Chicago, Ill. asslgnor to Morrls Paper Mills, Chicago, Ill., a corporation ol 111inois Original applieation June 14, 1946, Serlal N0. 676,787. Divided and this application May 20, 1948, Serial N0. 28,188

eoncerns a novel combination of such a carrier and a. special suspending handle therefor, and details ofconstruction of the handle itself.

It is an object of theinvention to provide a carrler for a predetermined number of bottles of uniform size, all supported within the peripheral walls of the container on either side of a medial partition panel of the latter, and a susbending handle associated with said partition in a novel manner enabling a substantial decrease in the vertical dimension of the partition, while still permitting the carrier and contents to be comfortably and conveniently suspended in the band in use.

A further object is to provide a combined carrier and separate removable handle therefor eharacterized by the ease and speed with which the handle may be associated with the carrier, said handle and carrier having coacting provisions enabling the handle to be supported either in an upright, fully elevated, carrying position, or in an imperative withdrawn position beneath the upper level of the bottles permitting a number cf filled carriers to be stacked vertically upon "one another and in slde-by-side contacting relation.

' sald handle in operative position projecting above the top of said panel for convenient grasping and transporting of the carrier.

Another object is to provide a novel carrier and handle combination in which the carrier and handle coact to support the handle in an erect, elevated position in vertical alignment with said partition and to enable depression of said handle to an inoperative position for stacking of the loaded carriers.

A still further object is to provide a handle of the type described which is constructed and arranged with articular relation to the lateral dimension of a bottle carrier and the bottles therein to enable retraction of the handle to an inopera- 3 Claims. (Cl. 224-45.1)

2 tive posltion within the lateral limits 01 the carrier.

A still further object is to provide a suspending handle for association with a carrier of the foregoing central panel type, which handle ls adapted to suspend the carrier at said panel and has provision for engaging said panel when shifted downwardly from its suspending position, whereby 1:0 continue to sustain the handle in vertically aligned relation to aid panel.

The foregoing statements are generally indicative of the nature of the invention, but other and more specific objects Will b ;apparent to those skilled in the art upon a full understanding of the constructlon and operation of the device.

Two embodiments of the invention are presented herein for purpose of exemplification, laut it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible of incorporation in other modified forms coming equally within the scope cf the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Flg. 1is a perspective view illustrating a handle and carrier construction according to the invention, in which the handle is shown in position for transportation ofthe loaded carrier;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation illustrating the carrier of Fig. 1 with the handle in retracted position for stacking of the filled carriers;

Fig. 3 is a view in end elevation showing the handle in upright carrier loading position;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation illustrating the carrier and handle in the osition of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a p6rspective view illustrating a modification of the invention utilizing a metal handle cf different type from that shown in Figs. 1-4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary side elevation showing the combination of Fig. 5 in a stacked relation cf two carriers;

Fig. 7 is an end elevation illustrating, in solid and dotted lines, alternative positions f the handle of the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6;

Fig. 8 is a side view of the handle of Figs. 5-7 in depressed carrier loading posltion; and

Fig. 9 is a top plan view illustrating the mode of assembling the handle of Figs. 58 to the panel is proportioned and disposed to extend not higher than the top of bottles in the carrier.

- Briefly stated, a substantial saving in production than the laterally staggered arrangement to which earlier cartons were restricted, by reason of their projecting handle. Moreover, it obviates weakening of the handle portion by bending the same over the tops of the closures of the bottles to enable vertical stacking (a pre-formecl crease was commonly provided in the handle for this purpose). A marked improvementv in strength and rigidity also results from the lowering of the point of suspension of the carr1er.

All of these substantial advantages are retained in the present construction, which employs a separate, pre-formed grip member easily and quickly associated with the carrier and extending thereabove to a conveniently accessible height for grasping. As an additional feature, said handle is readily and quickly retractable to an imperative position beneath the level of the bottle caps, enabling the above referred to, vertically aligned stacking of filled carriers. II; may also be sustained in vertical alignment with the central panel during loading of the carrier. Henne, when filled, the carrier presents an upstanding handle conveniently located for grasping and transportation.

The carrier of the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral II), is similar to that illustrated and described in the above identified patent. This carrier is of one-piece construction, c'omprising a bottom and parallel, bendably connected side walls II and end walls I 2 fabricated from paper board stock. The construction of the carrier permits the use of a relatively light grade of Stock, all as described in the patent above referred to, to which reference may be had for disclosure of these details. As also illustrated and described' at length therein, the carrier is provided wlth a central, vertical partition and suspending panel I3 extending parallel to side walls II and bendably eonneoted at its ends to the walls I2. Partition panel I3 is of double ply thiekness (see Fig. 3) and eXtiid's" upwardly to constitute a suspending handle mem* her I4 which islikewise of double thickness: 'Iransverse partition strips I5, integrally and bendably connected -at their lateral extremities to the side walls II and partition panel I3, extend at right angles therebetween in a vertically staggered er stepped arrangement longitudinally of the carrier, to subdivide the space on either side of partition panel I3 into three equal sized, rectangular. compartments I6. Each of these compartments is of a width generally corresponding to the maximum diameter of the bottles I1 disposed in the same, enabling insertion of the bottles bottom end first.

The suspending member I4 extends no higher than the upper leVelof the closures on bottles I6 in operative, supported disposition of said bottles in the carrier III, and preferably lies somewhat 4 der lengths within certaln llmlts, the number which can be arranged perlpherally of the cylinder may be materially increased Dr diminished in accordance with the vertical dimension of the carton. Accordingly, lt is apparent that a high sspending handle I4 would lncrease the manufacturing cost from the standpoints of output speed and cost 01 materlal. A plurality of cartons embodying the features o1 the patent, and also in accordance with this invention, may be stacked in direct; vertical alignment, one on top of the other, with complete stability, as herein illustrated at Fig. 2. II; is unnecessary to weaken any portion of the central panel I3, I4 by creasing,

In my patent referred to, the package shown and described is suspended by hand holes formed in the porti0n f the. carrier corresponding to suspending handle I4, the knuckles of the user engaging the bottles and thrusting the same outwardly so as to effect a snug nesting of the users hand therein. This results in a minimization of lateral insbability and oonsequent wrackin tendency, along with other advantages, all as pointedout in detail in the patent. These hand holes are retained in handle I4, being designated I4, so as to be available for use if deslred. However, additional suspending means is also provided.

The suspending handle shown in Figs. 1-4 inclusive, and generally designated I8 is fabricated of a relatively light gauge sheet metal stock, stamped out in U-shapedoutline to provide parallel vertical legs I9 and a connecting grip 20. The material of thegrip is slitted adjacent the legs and upwardly curled at 2I for comfort. in carrying. The lower termini of legs 20 are shaped in a generally triangular outline, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 3, including a bottom horizontal supporting reach 22 and an upwardly angled brace portion 23 converging toward the legs.

Brace 23 is spaced somewhat from the adjacent leg I9 to enable initial insertion of the handle legs in elongated apertures 24 formed in the carrier panel I4. This spacing also permits the handle to be slid down on panel I4 until the horiwzontal supporting reaches 22 rest on the bottom of apertures 24, asclearly illustrated in Figs. 3

" and 4, or even farther down if desired. Portions 23 and legs I9 then engage the opposite sides of panel I4 sustain the handle I8 in an upright.

but vertically lowered, position for loading of braces the middle bottle of a row. The propor tioning of the length of grip 20 is such as to permit the legs I9 to fall between the two end bottles and the length of the legs is less than the lateral dimension of compartments I6, whereby in the retracted position of the handle it lies entirely within the side limits of the carrier.' Accordingly, the carriers can be stacked in rows in close side-by-side relationship Without interference cf any of the parts thereof. This form of handle ls inexpensive and attractive in appearance and capable of repeated re-use.

A further variation of the inventive concept -poinizs referred so.

1 4 is illustrated in Figs. 5-9 inclusive. Hera a handle member 26 of u-shaped sheet nietal canstruction is also employed, including spaced paralle] legs 21 and a transverse grip 28. The legs 21 are spaced only sufiiciently to provide a comfortable grip of the user at grip 28. enabling the handle to l:e swung laterally over the top of the middle bottle II and between the adjacent surfaces of the end bottles, as in the form of Figs. 1-5 inclusive, 130 a position benea th the tops of the bottles. This permits the vertical stacking referred to, illustrated in Fig. 6 and in dotted line in Fig. '7 Similarly, the overall length of the legs 21 andgrip member 28 is such that in no position of the handle does it; project; laterally beyond the side walls II. Provision is thereby made for the side-by-side stacking of the cartons, without interference during handling by automatic machinery, shipping or storage.

As particularly illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, the legs 21 of handle 26 are shaped at the ends thereof by bending laterally and upwardly, so as to provide the out-turned hooked feet 29. Reference 170 Fig. 9 indicates that these feet extend a substantial distance laterally from the main body of the handle and legs thereof, and, moraover, that they are cf a width lengthwise of the handle substantially equal to the width of legs 2'I. This feature provides a wide, nun-linear beari-ng area of substantial length for engagement with the material at the upper margin of the openings 24 in panel I4 thereby reduoing to a minimum the cutting 01 tearing aetion at the Similar insurance against damage by cutting ls afforded by the elongated line contact between handle and carrier in the preceding embodiment, shown in Figs. 1-5.

The feet 29 terminate in mutually in-turned toes or lugs 30 which are insertable in the openings 24 130 place the handle in operative position on ohe carrier. In prel'erred form', the distance between the adjacent inner margins of openings 24 is less than the distance between the lugs 30, lt being intended that the carrier III, in a flat, collapsed form and prior to insertion 01 the bottles, be fiexed (as shown in Fig. 9) aldng central vertical line t o enable said lugs 30 to be inserted in the openings 24. Thereafter the carrier is allowed to return 120 its flat condition, with the feet 29 of the handle fully engaged in the openings, and bottles I'I loaded therein as illustrated in Fig. 5. Thus inadvertent displacement 0f the handle is impossible.

In use, the carrier and contents are suspended by the user in the manner illustrated in Fig. 7. If it is desired 130 stack a plurality of carriers on one another for transportation, st0rage or display, the handle is swung to the imperative, laterally withdrawn position illustiated in Fig. 6 and in dotted lines in Fig. 7.

For convenience in filling the carrier III with bottles, I provide the handle legs 21 with integral struck-out stop lugs 3I on the sanie side as the feet 29 whereby, when it is desired to fill the carrier, the handle is merely slidably dropped down to the position illustrated in Fig. 8. In this position the stops 3I engage the top margin of the panel I4 and the feet 29 nass downwardly through openings 24 the necessary distance 150 permit such engagement. As shown in Fig. 7, the legs 21 and stops 3I have lateral restraining engagement with opposite sides of panel I4 to hold handle 26 vertically upright and aligned with panel I4. Tims positioned, the handle is immediately accessible tor litting o1! the carrier when member on a related type 01' carton will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. II; is appreciated that the handle may be fabricated o! many diflerent materlal's and I therefore deslrethat the invention be not unduly construed in this regard. Likewlse, while particularly adapted for association wli h a bottle carrier such as shown in the above identlfied patent, Its utllity in connection with other types of cartons is apparent. Regardless of its particular form, the present construction provides a package 01 highly compact and economical character, including a carrier and associated handle capable 01 being comfortably transported by the user, and proof against destructive action between handle and carrier when so used, the handle being qulckly and easily positionable In any desired relation to its associated carrier, depending upon the operation which is 170 be performed. All of the benefits characterizing the depressed central panel which are outlined above and in the referred to patent are retained in the present structure.

In both forms of the invention shown herein, the slitted band holes I4, of the type shown in the above identified patent, are preferably retained in the central suspending portion I 4 of the carrier. Thus, if it is not desired to employ the separate handle contemplated by this Invention, or if such handles are not available, the user still has the means to geb a firm and comfortable grip on the carrier to transport the same as described in the aforesaid patent.

I claim:

1. A suspending member for a flexible, a carton-like paper board bottle carrier o1 the type having a suspending panel internally subdividing the same, comprising a relatively rigid, preformed handle of generally U-shaped outline including a grip portion and generally coplanar legs on either side thereof, said legs having elements ofiset laterally from the plane thereof which are vertically engageable with said panel to suspend the carrier, in which position said handle is disposed along and generally parallel to a side of said panel, and further portions integral with and laterally spaced from said legs which are engageable with the opposite side of said panel for coaction with said legs to laterally support said handle in said generally parallel .relation when in a depressed, non-suspending position.

2. A suspending member for a flexible, carton-like paper board bottle carrier or like container of the type having a suspending panel internally subdividing the same, comprising a relatively rigid, pre-formed handle of generally U- shaped outline including a grip portion and straight, downwardly extending. generally coplanar legs on either side thereof, said legs having elements oifset laterally from the plane thereof which are vertically engageable with said panel to suspend the carrier, in which position said legs are disposed along and generally parallel to a side of said panel, said oifset elements having upwardly extending portions disposed on the opposite side cf said panel, said upwardly extending portions terminating in portlons which are directed inwardly toward said Iegs and which are engageable with said opposite side of said panel for coaction with said legs to laterally supporl:

' 7 seid handle in seid generelly parallel reletlon when in a depressed, non-suspending position.

3. A suspending member for a flexible, 0erton-like paper boerd bottle cerrier of the type the carrier, in which position.said handle is disposed along end generally parallel to e side o1. seid panel, and further portions integral with end laterally spaced from seid legs which ere engageable with the opposite side o1 seid panei for coection with seid legs to leterelly support seid handle in seid generelly parallel reletion when in e depressed, non-suspending position. seid further portions belng formed in seid legs 5 between seid grip portion and oflfset elements.

SAMUEL N. LEBOL'D.

REFEBENCES CITED The following references ere ot record in the m file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Bete 2.296,228 Powell Sept. 151942 15 2,431932 Hell Dec. 2, 1947 

